Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Press Release: Governor Lamont Proclaims May 12-18, 2019 as Prevention Week in Connecticut

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                       

May 13, 2019 


 

Hartford, CT – Governor Ned Lamont has proclaimed this week, May 12-18, 2019, as Prevention Week in Connecticut, joining the nation for National Prevention Week (NPW) in an effort to increase public awareness of, and action around, substance misuse and mental health issues.

 

“Prevention work is vital as we work to improve the mental health and wellness of not only ourselves, but of our communities as well,” said Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) Commissioner Miriam Delphin-Rittmon. “National Prevention Week is an opportunity for us to highlight all of the amazing prevention efforts across the state as well as increase awareness and share valuable information about the prevention of unhealthy behaviors, such as substance misuse and self-harm.”

 

This year, the theme for National Prevention Week is Inspiring Action. Changing Lives. and will focus on the following topics:

DMHAS, in partnership with local communities and communities, will kick off the week with the Prevention Week Forum at the New Britain Museum of American Art this evening at 5:00PM. The forum will feature a presentation by Ruth Potee, MD on the effects of addiction on the brain, as well as live music, light refreshments and a tour of the museum. DMHAS Commissioner Dr. Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon and New Britain Mayor Erin Elizabeth Stewart will make opening remarks.

 

To highlight the different themes of National Prevention Week, DMHAS launched a public service announcement (PSA) video contest. Contestants were asked to create 30-second video PSAs with the goal of raising public awareness of, and action around, substance misuse and mental health issues. Contest winners will be announced at this evening’s forum in New Britain.

 

On Thursday, May 16, DMHAS will host a Health and Wellness Fair at the State Capitol in Hartford from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fair is free and open to the public and will feature preventive health screenings, therapy dogs, free ice cream, giveaways and more.

 

For more information about National Prevention Week and for a list of events across the state, please visit the DMHAS webpage at www.ct.gov/dmhas/npw.

 

Contact:

Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

Diana Shaw, Public Information Officer

(860) 418-6967

(860) 558-0024 (cell)

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